I remember well _Punch_ indicated this once by representing Mr.Gladstone and Mr.
Disraeli beginning a Session by presenting each other with roses, while behind their backs was a thick bundle of whips.
[Sidenote: The fray opens.] But Mr.Balfour is independent of tradition, and demonstrated it at once with a speech almost vehement, in part, in its attack.

He had a whole host of flings at Mr.Justice Mathew and the Evicted Tenants' Commission--his hits, though sufficiently obvious, and almost cheap, being rapturously received.

Altogether, it must be said the Opposition were in excellent form, and cheered their man with a lustiness which did them infinite credit.

The Liberals, on the other hand, with forces somewhat scattered--the round Irish chorus being especially so, in the remote distance--did not seem equally well-organized from the point of view of the _claque_.

With the dynamite prisoners Mr.Balfour dealt so gingerly that it was evident he knew the weakness of the Tory case, and was very apprehensive that Mr.Matthews would be found to have sold the pass.